System and method for removing stator vanes from a casing of a rotary machine

ABSTRACT

A stator vane removal system includes a reaction platform configured to couple between opposing sides of a slot defined in an inner surface of a casing of a rotary machine. At least one stator vane is retained in the slot. The reaction platform includes at least one wedge surface. The system also includes an actuator configured to couple to the reaction platform. The at least one wedge surface facilitates inducing a coupling force exerted by the reaction platform to the opposing sides of the slot when the actuator applies a pushing force to the at least one stator vane in the slot.

BACKGROUND

The field of the disclosure relates generally to rotary machines, andmore particularly to a system and method for removing stator vanes froma casing of a rotary machine.

At least some known rotary machines, such as gas turbines, includestages of rotor blades and cooperating stator vanes. At least some suchknown rotary machines are housed within a casing that is generallyshaped like a horizontal tube, formed by an upper section and a lowersection. In at least some such known rotary machines, the stator vanesare coupled to slots in an interior side of the casing and extendradially inward into a gas flow path. At least some such known statorvanes have a finite operational lifetime and eventually need maintenanceor replacement. To replace at least some such known stator vanes, theupper and lower halves of the casing are uncoupled, and the stator vanesare slid along the slots to an edge of the casing for removal. However,after an operational lifetime of exposure of the stator vanes toconditions within the rotary machine, a significant amount of force maybe required to uncouple at least some known stator vanes from theirposition in the slots and to slide them along the slots to the edge ofthe casing section. Because of, for example, a size and a concave shapeof the casing sections, it is difficult to safely apply a mechanicalforce required to move at least some known stator vanes along the slots,particularly without damaging the slots and/or casing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, a stator vane removal system is provided. The systemincludes a reaction platform configured to couple between opposing sidesof a slot defined in an inner surface of a casing of a rotary machine.At least one stator vane is retained in the slot. The reaction platformincludes at least one wedge surface. The system also includes anactuator configured to couple to the reaction platform. The at least onewedge surface facilitates inducing a coupling force exerted by thereaction platform to the opposing sides of the slot when the actuatorapplies a pushing force to the at least one stator vane in the slot.

In another aspect, a method of removing at least one stator vane from aslot defined in an inner surface of a casing of a rotary machine isprovided. The method includes coupling a reaction platform betweenopposing sides of the slot. The reaction platform includes at least onewedge surface. The method also includes coupling an actuator to thereaction platform, and applying a pushing force to the at least onestator vane using the actuator. The at least one wedge surface induces acoupling force exerted by the reaction platform to the opposing sides ofthe slot when the actuator applies the pushing force.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary rotary machine;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary stator vaneremoval system coupled to a portion of an exemplary casing that may beused with the exemplary rotary machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a first exemplaryembodiment of a reaction platform that may be used with the exemplarystator vane removal system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic section view of the reaction platform of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a portion of a sleeve that may be used with the exemplaryreaction platform of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a second exemplary embodiment of areaction platform that may be used with the exemplary stator vaneremoval system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a third exemplary embodimentof a reaction platform coupled to the portion of the exemplary casing ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of removing at least onestator vane from a slot defined in an inner surface of a casing of arotary machine, such as the exemplary casing of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a fourth exemplaryembodiment of a reaction platform that may be used with the exemplarystator vane removal system of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of the exemplarycasing of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary systems and methods described herein overcome at leastsome of the disadvantages associated with a removal of stator vanes fromslots in the casings of rotary machines. The embodiments describedherein include a reaction platform configured to couple to a slot. Morespecifically, the reaction platform is reversibly expandable from aninsertion configuration to a secured configuration. In the insertionconfiguration, the reaction platform is insertable into the slot in aclearance fit. In the secured configuration, the reaction platformexerts a securing force against opposing sides of the slot. An actuator,such as but not limited to a hydraulic jack, is coupleable to thereaction platform. When the reaction platform is in the securedposition, the actuator is operable to apply a force sufficient to moveat least one stator vane in the slot.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary rotary machine 10 with whichembodiments of the reaction platform of the current disclosure may beused. In the exemplary embodiment, rotary machine 10 is a gas turbinethat includes an intake section 12, a compressor section 14 coupleddownstream from intake section 12, a combustor section 16 coupleddownstream from compressor section 14, a turbine section 18 coupleddownstream from combustor section 16, and an exhaust section 20 coupleddownstream from turbine section 18. A generally tubular casing 36 atleast partially encloses one or more of intake section 12, compressorsection 14, combustor section 16, turbine section 18, and exhaustsection 20. In the exemplary embodiment, casing 36 includes a pluralityof casings that at least partially enclose different sections of gasturbine 10, including a casing 136 that encloses compressor section 14.In alternative embodiments, rotary machine 10 is any suitable rotarymachine, and casing 136 is any suitable portion of casing 36 of rotarymachine 10, that enables the reaction platform of the current disclosureto function as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, turbine section 18 is coupled to compressorsection 14 via a rotor shaft 22. It should be noted that, as usedherein, the term “couple” is not limited to a direct mechanical,electrical, and/or communication connection between components, but mayalso include an indirect mechanical, electrical, and/or communicationconnection between multiple components.

During operation of gas turbine 10, intake section 12 channels airtowards compressor section 14. Compressor section 14 compresses the airto a higher pressure and temperature. More specifically, rotor shaft 22imparts rotational energy to at least one circumferential row ofcompressor blades 110 coupled to rotor shaft 22 within compressorsection 14. In the exemplary embodiment, each row of compressor blades110 is preceded by a circumferential row of compressor stator vanes 112extending radially inward from casing 36 that direct the air flow intocompressor blades 110. The rotational energy of compressor blades 110increases a pressure and temperature of the air. Compressor section 14discharges the compressed air towards combustor section 16.

In combustor section 16, the compressed air is mixed with fuel andignited to generate combustion gases that are channeled towards turbinesection 18. More specifically, combustor section 16 includes at leastone combustor 24, in which a fuel, for example, natural gas and/or fueloil, is injected into the air flow, and the fuel-air mixture is ignitedto generate high temperature combustion gases that are channeled towardsturbine section 18.

Turbine section 18 converts the thermal energy from the combustion gasstream to mechanical rotational energy. More specifically, thecombustion gases impart rotational energy to at least onecircumferential row of rotor blades 170 coupled to rotor shaft 22 withinturbine section 18. In the exemplary embodiment, each row of rotorblades 170 is preceded by a circumferential row of turbine stator vanes172 extending radially inward from casing 36 that direct the combustiongases into rotor blades 170. Rotor shaft 22 may be coupled to a load(not shown) such as, but not limited to, an electrical generator and/ora mechanical drive application. The exhausted combustion gases flowdownstream from turbine section 18 into exhaust section 20.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary stator vaneremoval system 200 coupled to a portion of an exemplary embodiment ofcasing 136 of rotary machine 10. With reference to FIG. 1, casing 136 isdivided into an upper section 138 and a lower section 140, and FIG. 2more specifically illustrates upper section 138 uncoupled from lowersection 140, and rotated 90 degrees from its operational position intoan upright position for maintenance. Although embodiments of the presentdisclosure will be described in connection with upper section 138 in theupright position, it should be understood that embodiments of thepresent disclosure apply to each of lower section 140 and upper section138 in any of the operational position, another horizontal position, orany other suitably supported position. It also should be understoodthat, although embodiments of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to casing 136 of compressor section 14 of gas turbine 10,in alternative embodiments, casing 136 may be any suitable portion of acasing of a rotary machine that enables embodiments of the presentdisclosure to function as described herein.

A radially inner surface 142 of casing 136 includes at least one slot120 configured to retain a row of stator vanes 112. Each slot 120extends circumferentially about upper section 138 between an axiallyextending first edge 144 and an axially extending second edge 146 ofupper section 138. In alternative embodiments, at least one of slots 120extends to only one of first edge 144 and second edge 146. In FIG. 2,for clarity, only one slot 120 is illustrated as still containing statorvanes 112, with some of the stator vanes 112 already having been removedfrom that slot 120 as well, but it should be understood that when casing136 is in an assembled condition, each slot 120 is packed with adjacentstator vanes from first edge 144 to second edge 146.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of upper section 138of casing 136 shown in FIG. 2. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 10, in theexemplary embodiment, each at least one slot 120 is defined by aradially outer base 122 and a pair of opposing sides 123 that eachextend generally radially inwardly from base 122. In the exemplaryembodiment, each side 123 includes a radially outer portion designatedside wall 124, and a radially inner portion designated lip 126. Morespecifically, a pair of opposing lips 126 extend toward each otherpartially across slot 120, such that a width 130 of slot 120 betweenlips 126 is less than a width 128 of slot 120 between side walls 124. Inalternative embodiments, each slot 120 has any suitable configurationthat enables reaction platform 202 to function as described herein.Moreover, although each slot 120 is illustrated in FIG. 2 as having asimilar size, in alternative embodiments a size of at least one slot 120differs from a size of another of slots 120.

In the exemplary embodiment, each stator vane 112 includes a root 114and an airfoil 116. Root 114 is configured to couple to a correspondingslot 120, while airfoil 116 is configured to extend into a gas flow pathof rotary machine 10. In the exemplary embodiment, root 114 is shaped tobe received by slot 120 such that slot 120 restricts radial movement ofstator vane 112. For example, a width 118 of root 114 is at leastslightly less than width 128 of slot 120 between side walls 124, suchthat root 114 is slidably insertable into slot 120 at either of firstedge 144 and second edge 146, and width 118 is greater than width 130between lips 126, such that root 114 is radially constrained betweenbase 122 and lips 126 after stator vane 112 is inserted into slot 120.Although embodiments of the present disclosure are described in relationto stator vanes 112 having a single airfoil 116 coupled to a single root114, the present disclosure also is applicable to stator vanes 112 thatinclude a plurality of airfoils 116 coupled to each root 114.

In the exemplary embodiment, each stator vane 112 is configured to beslidably movable circumferentially along slot 120 into a desiredposition. In certain embodiments, each slot 120 of upper section 138 ispacked with circumferentially adjacent stator vanes 112, and each slot120 aligns with a corresponding slot (not shown) of lower section 140that is packed with circumferentially adjacent stator vanes 112, suchthat circumferential movement of stator vanes 112 is constrained whenupper section 138 and lower section 140 are coupled together. It shouldbe understood that additional restraining features (not shown) may beused to constrain circumferential movement of stator vanes 112 whenupper section 138 and lower section 140 are coupled together.

To remove stator vanes 112 from slot 120 for maintenance or replacement,each of stator vanes 112 in sequence can be slid circumferentially alongslot 120 to one of first edge 144 and second edge 146 and removed,starting with the stator vane 112 proximate the one of first edge 144and second edge 146. As discussed above, however, to slide at least somestator vanes 112 along slot 120, a significant force may be required. Inthe exemplary embodiment, stator vane removal system 200 is used toapply such a force to stator vanes 112. Stator vane removal system 200includes a reaction platform 202 that is configured to releasably coupleto slot 120, and an actuator 270 that is configured to couple toreaction platform 202. Actuator 270 is configured to apply a pushingforce to a proximate stator vane 112 in a direction approximatelytangential to slot 120.

More specifically, reaction platform 202 is configured to securelyreleasably couple to slot 120 at any location along slot 120 such thatreaction platform 202 is capable of reacting a force applied by actuator270 to the proximate stator vane 112. Actuator 270 is configured tocouple to reaction platform 202 in any suitable fashion that enablesstator vane removal system 200 to function as described herein. Forexample, but not by way of limitation, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4, actuator 270 includes a clevis 280 that is rotatably coupleableto a tang 346 on reaction platform 202 using a pin 282.

Returning to FIG. 2, in the exemplary embodiment, actuator 270 is ahydraulic ram that includes a rod 274 extendably coupled to a cylinder272. Rod 274 is configured to extend to the proximate stator vane 112and to apply a force to the proximate stator vane 112 in a directionapproximately tangential to slot 120. It should be understood that thecloser reaction platform 202 is positioned to the proximate stator vane112, the better the direction of the force applied by actuator 270approximates the tangential direction, which is generally the mosteffective pushing direction. In certain embodiments, after the statorvanes 112 have been moved a certain distance along slot 120, reactionplatform 202 can be uncoupled from slot 120, repositioned closer to theproximate stator vane 112, and re-coupled to slot 120 to improve theeffectiveness of actuator 270.

In certain embodiments, rod 274 is coupled directly against theproximate stator vane 112. In alternative embodiments, rod 274 does notcontact the proximate stator vane 112 directly. For example, but not byway of limitation, at least one of a shim and a protective material iscoupled between rod 274 and the proximate stator vane 112. In theexemplary embodiment, a hydraulic supply line 276 and a hydraulic returnline 278 are coupled to cylinder 272. A suitable valve system (notshown) coupled to hydraulic supply line 276 and hydraulic return line278 controls a hydraulic pressure within cylinder 272, and thus controlsa force applied by rod 274 to the proximate stator vane 112. Inalternative embodiments, actuator 270 is any suitable actuator thatenables stator vane removal system 200 to function as described herein.

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a first exemplaryembodiment of reaction platform 202, designated reaction platform 302,that may be used with stator vane removal system 200. FIG. 4 is aschematic section view of reaction platform 302. With reference to FIGS.2-4, reaction platform 302 is configured to reversibly transitionbetween an insertion configuration and a secured configuration. In theinsertion configuration, reaction platform 302 is insertable into slot120 in a clearance fit between opposing pair of lips 126 of slot 120. Inthe secured configuration, reaction platform 302 is configured to couplebetween opposing sides 123 of slot 120. More specifically, reactionplatform 302 is configured to couple between at least one of pair ofopposing lips 126 and pair of opposing side walls 124 of slot 120 with acoupling force sufficient to react a pushing force applied by actuator270 to the proximate stator vane 112.

In the exemplary embodiment, reaction platform 302 includes a block 304and a sleeve 350. Block 304 includes a first bearing surface 306configured to couple to a first of the pair of opposing lips 126 of slot120, and sleeve 350 includes a second bearing surface 356 configured tocouple to a second of the pair of opposing lips 126. In the exemplaryembodiment, first bearing surface 306 and second bearing surface 356 aregenerally parallel. In alternative embodiments, first bearing surface306 and second bearing surface 356 are other than generally parallel.

Block 304 further includes a reaction surface 308 configured to coupleto actuator 270. In the exemplary embodiment, reaction surface 308 isgenerally perpendicular to first bearing surface 306. In alternativeembodiments, reaction surface 308 is other than generally perpendicularto first bearing surface 306. In the exemplary embodiment, as discussedabove, reaction surface 308 includes a tang 346 configured to couple toactuator 270. In an alternative embodiment, reaction surface 308 isconfigured to bear directly against a corresponding surface of actuator270. In other alternative embodiments, reaction platform 302 isconfigured to couple to actuator 270 in any suitable fashion thatenables stator vane removal system 200 to function as described herein.

Block 304 also includes a wedge surface 310 that is inclined from aplane parallel to first bearing surface 306. Block wedge surface 310faces obliquely toward sleeve 350 and faces obliquely away from reactionsurface 308. Sleeve 350 includes a wedge surface 360 that is inclinedfrom a plane parallel to second bearing surface 356. Sleeve wedgesurface 360 faces obliquely toward block 304 and faces obliquely towardsreaction surface 308. More specifically, sleeve wedge surface 360 isinclined oppositely from, and complementarily to, block wedge surface310.

Sleeve wedge surface 360 is configured to slidably couple to block wedgesurface 310. More specifically, sleeve wedge surface 360 is configuredto slide relative to block wedge surface 310 in a direction parallel toblock wedge surface 310. For example, in the exemplary embodiment,sleeve wedge surface 360 is a pair of sleeve wedge surfaces 360. Sleeve350 also includes a pair of opposing side walls 354 that each extendbetween second bearing surface 356 and a respective one of the pair ofsleeve wedge surfaces 360. A cavity 352 is defined between side walls354. Moreover, block 304 includes a post 314 that extends from blockwedge surface 310. Post 314 is configured to be received at leastpartially within cavity 352 such that sleeve wedge surface 360 isslidably coupled to block wedge surface 310. In the exemplaryembodiment, post 314 is integrally formed with block 304. In alternativeembodiments, post 314 is formed separately and coupled to block 304 inany suitable fashion that enables stator vane removal system 200 tofunction as described herein. In other alternative embodiments, sleeve350 and block 304 have any suitable configuration that enables sleevewedge surface 360 to slidably couple to block wedge surface 310 suchthat stator vane removal system 200 can function as described herein.

Further in the exemplary embodiment, a pair of opposing guide channels316 are defined between post 314 and block wedge surface 310. Each guidechannel 316 extends parallel to block wedge surface 310 from a first end318 of post 314 to a second end 320 of post 314. In addition, each ofthe pair of sleeve wedge surfaces 360 includes a projection 366configured to be received in a respective one of guide channels 316 whensleeve 350 is slidably coupled to block 304. Projections 366 and guidechannels 316 cooperate to maintain an alignment of block wedge surface310 and sleeve wedge surface 360. To initially couple sleeve 350 andblock 304, sleeve 350 is positioned below post second end 320,projections 366 are aligned with guide channels 316, and sleeve wedgesurface 360 is moved parallel to block wedge surface 310 such that post314 is received in cavity 352. In alternative embodiments, alignment ofblock wedge surface 310 and sleeve wedge surface 360 is maintained inany suitable fashion that enables stator vane removal system 200 tofunction as described herein.

Also in the exemplary embodiment, a retaining pin 322 is positionedwithin block wedge surface 310 proximate reaction surface 308 to preventsleeve 350 and block 304 from uncoupling, such as but not limited towhen reaction platform 302 is not in use. Retaining pin 322 is movableto a position flush with block wedge surface 310 to enable slidablecoupling or uncoupling of sleeve 350 and block 304. Retaining pin 322 isbiased such that, after sleeve wedge surface 360 is slid upward alongblock wedge surface 310 past retaining pin 322, retaining pin 322projects from block wedge surface 310 to prevent return downwardmovement of sleeve 350 past retaining pin 322. In alternativeembodiments, any suitable structure is used to prevent sleeve 350 andblock 304 from uncoupling.

In other alternative embodiments, sleeve 350 and block 304 are notprevented from uncoupling when reaction platform 302 is not in use. Forexample, FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a fourthexemplary embodiment of reaction platform 202, designated reactionplatform 902, that may be used with stator vane removal system 200.Reaction platform 902 is substantially identical to reaction platform302 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) in most respects, and identical portionsare labeled identically. However, reaction platform 902 does not includeprojections 366 on either of the pair of sleeve wedge surfaces 360, doesnot include guide channels 316 on block 304, and does not includeretaining pin 322 within block wedge surface 310. In addition, a post914 of reaction platform 902 differs from post 314 of reaction platform302 in that a side surface 915 of post 914 is formed to be generallyparallel to block wedge surface 310, rather than generally parallel tofirst bearing surface 306. As a result, unlike threaded aperture 336defined in post 314, a threaded aperture 936 (shown in hidden lines)defined in post 914 is not fully defined at first end 318 of post 914,but rather threaded aperture 936 becomes fully defined as it extendsdown from first end 318 towards reaction surface 308. Although sleeve350 and block 304 of reaction platform 902 are not prevented fromuncoupling when reaction platform 302 is not in use, reaction platform902 functions substantially identically in use to reaction platform 302.

Returning to reaction platform 302 and FIGS. 2-4, in the exemplaryembodiment, block 304 includes a first retaining edge 312 that extendsfrom first bearing surface 306 generally perpendicular to first bearingsurface 306, and sleeve 350 includes a second retaining edge 362 thatextends from second bearing surface 356 generally perpendicular tosecond bearing surface 356. In the exemplary embodiment, when reactionplatform 302 is coupled to slot 120, each of first retaining edge 312and second retaining edge 362 is disposed between base 122 and arespective one of opposing lips 126 of slot 120. First retaining edge312 and second retaining edge 362 facilitate retaining reaction platform302 within slot 120 while reaction platform is in transition between theinsertion configuration and the secured configuration.

An inner width 330 of reaction platform 302 is defined between firstbearing surface 306 and second bearing surface 356, and an outer width331 of reaction platform 302 is defined between first retaining edge 312and second retaining edge 362. As can best be seen in FIG. 4, as sleevewedge surface 360 is slidably moved along block wedge surface 310, eachof inner width 330 and outer width 331 correspondingly varies. Morespecifically, as sleeve 350 is slid parallel to block wedge surface 310in a direction generally away from reaction surface 308, each of innerwidth 330 and outer width 331 decreases, and as sleeve 350 is slidparallel to block wedge surface 310 in a direction generally towardsreaction surface 308, each of inner width 330 and outer width 331increases.

In the exemplary embodiment, as reaction platform 302 is transitionedinto the secured configuration while positioned within slot 120, firstbearing surface 306 and second bearing surface 356 couple againstopposing lips 126 of slot 120 such that reaction platform 302 becomessecurely coupled within slot 120. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, theinsertion configuration occurs when outer width 331 is less than width130 between opposing lips 126 of slot 120, and the secured configurationoccurs when inner width 330 is substantially equal to width 130 betweenopposing lips 126 of slot 120. It should be understood that inalternative embodiments in which reaction platform 302 does not includefirst retaining edge 312 and second retaining edge 362, reactionplatform outer width 331 is identical to reaction platform inner width330.

In other alternative embodiments, first retaining edge 312 and secondretaining edge 362 are configured such that a difference between outerwidth 331 and inner width 330 is greater than a difference between width128 of slot 120, between side walls 124, and width 130 of slot 120,between lips 126. In such alternative embodiments, when reactionplatform 302 is transitioned to the secured configuration, reactionplatform 302 couples between pair of opposing side walls 124 of slot120, rather than between pair of opposing lips 126. More specifically,each of first retaining edge 312 and second retaining edge 362 couplesagainst a respective one of pair of opposing side walls 124. Thus, insuch embodiments, the insertion configuration still occurs when outerwidth 331 is less than width 130 between opposing lips 126 of slot 120,but the secured configuration occurs when outer width 331 issubstantially equal to width 128 between opposing side walls 124 of slot120. In still other alternative embodiments, first retaining edge 312and second retaining edge 362 are configured such that a differencebetween outer width 331 and inner width 330 is substantially equal to adifference between width 128 of slot 120 and width 130 of slot 120. Insuch other alternative embodiments, when reaction platform 302 istransitioned to the secured configuration, reaction platform 302 couplesbetween both pair of opposing side walls 124 and pair of opposing lips126.

In the exemplary embodiment, reaction platform 302 includes a transitionmechanism 332 that is operable to facilitate transitioning reactionplatform 302 from the insertion configuration to the securedconfiguration. Additionally or alternatively, sleeve 350 is positionedrelative to block 304 by hand to facilitate transitioning reactionplatform 302 from the insertion configuration to the securedconfiguration. Additionally or alternatively, a reaction force fromactuator 270 facilitates transitioning reaction platform 302 from theinsertion configuration to the secured configuration.

In the exemplary embodiment, transition mechanism 332 includes a bolt334 insertable within a threaded aperture 336 defined in post 314. Incertain embodiments, a lower portion of aperture 336 is also at leastpartially defined in block 304. In the exemplary embodiment, aperture336 is defined generally parallel to first bearing surface 306. Inalternative embodiments, aperture 336 is defined other than generallyparallel to first bearing surface 306. In the exemplary embodiment,transition mechanism 332 also includes a washer 338. As bolt 334 isthreaded sufficiently into aperture 336, a head 340 of bolt 334 urgeswasher 338 against a first surface 368 of sleeve 350, causing sleevewedge surface 360 to slide along block wedge surface 310 in a directiongenerally towards reaction surface 308. As a result, reaction platforminner width 330 increases as bolt 334 is threaded further into aperture336, until first bearing surface 306 and second bearing surface 356couple against opposing lips 126 of slot 120 in the securedconfiguration. In alternative embodiments, transition mechanism 332 doesnot include washer 338, and bolt head 340 is sized to directly coupleagainst first surface 368 of sleeve 350.

In certain embodiments, first surface 368 extends at least partiallyabove cavity 352 to increase a contact area between first surface 368and at least one of washer 338 and bolt head 340. For example, FIG. 5 isa schematic exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aportion of sleeve 350 that may be used with reaction platform 302. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 5, first surface 368 extends betweenopposing side walls 354 of sleeve 350, and a slotted opening 370 isdefined in first surface 368. Slotted opening 370 accommodates bolt 334extending therethrough as sleeve wedge surface 360 slides along blockwedge surface 310.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-4, in the exemplary embodiment, to transitionfrom the secured configuration back to the insertion configuration, forexample to remove reaction platform 302 from slot 120, bolt 334 isunthreaded from aperture 336 such that first bearing surface 306 andsecond bearing surface 356 uncouple from opposing lips 126, and sleeve350 is slidable along block wedge surface 310 in a direction generallyaway from reaction surface 308 until reaction platform outer width 331decreases to less than width 130 between opposing lips 126.

Block wedge surface 310 and sleeve wedge surface 360 of reactionplatform 302 facilitate inducing a coupling force 344 exerted byreaction platform 302 to opposing sides 123 of slot 120 when actuator270 applies a pushing force to the proximate stator vane 112. Morespecifically, as best shown in FIG. 4, a reaction force 342 exerted byactuator 270 on reaction surface 308, for example through tang 346,tends to push block 304 in a direction away from actuator 270. Thus,oblique block wedge surface 310 tends to slide along sleeve wedgesurface 360 in a direction generally away from actuator 270, which tendsto increase each of reaction platform inner width 330 and outer width331. As inner width 330 and outer width 331 increase, coupling force 344exerted generally normal to slot sides 123 by at least one pair of firstand second bearing surfaces 306 and 356 and first and second retainingedges 312 and 362 also tends to increase. As normal coupling force 344increases, a friction force exerted by slot sides 123 against reactionplatform 302, opposite in direction to reaction force 342, iscorrespondingly induced, such that reaction platform 302 is increasinglysecurely coupled between sides 123.

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a second exemplary embodiment ofreaction platform 202, designated reaction platform 602, that may beused with stator vane removal system 200. Reaction platform 602 includesa block 604 with a pair of oblique block wedge surfaces 610 disposed onopposite sides of block 604. One of a pair of sleeves 650, eachincluding a sleeve wedge surface 660, is slidably coupled to each of theopposite sides of block 604. For example, each of the pair of sleeves650 is configured and coupled to block 604 in a similar fashion as thatin which sleeve 350 is configured and coupled to block 304, as describedabove. Each of the pair of sleeves 650 includes a bearing surface 656configured to couple against a corresponding one of opposing sides 123of slot 120.

Like reaction platform 302, reaction platform 602 is configured suchthat block wedge surfaces 610 and sleeve wedge surfaces 660 facilitateinducing a coupling force 644 exerted by reaction platform 602 toopposing sides 123 of slot 120 when actuator 270 applies a pushing forceto the proximate stator vane 112. More specifically, a reaction force642 exerted on reaction surface 608 tends to push block 604 in adirection away from actuator 270. Thus, each oblique block wedge surface610 tends to slide along the corresponding sleeve wedge surface 660 in adirection generally away from actuator 270, which tends to increase areaction platform inner width 630 and outer width 631. As inner width630 and outer width 631 increase, coupling force 644 exerted by, forexample, bearing surfaces 656 of each of sleeves 650 generally normal toslot sides 123 also tends to increase, coupling reaction platform 602increasingly securely between sides 123 in the fashion described above.In certain embodiments, the double-sleeve configuration of reactionplatform 602 provides an increased tendency for each of bearing surfaces656 to remain parallel to opposing slot sides 123, as compared to firstbearing surface 306 and second bearing surface 356 of reaction platform302.

Reaction platform 202 is not limited to use with stator vane removalsystem 200. As one example, FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of athird embodiment of reaction platform 202, designated reaction platform702, coupled to upper section 138 of casing 136. More specifically,three reaction platforms 702 are coupled to one of slots 120 of uppersection 138. In the exemplary embodiment, each reaction platform 702 issubstantially identical to reaction platform 302 as discussed above, butfor a block 704 of reaction platform 702 that additionally includes aconnecting structure 770. Connecting structure 770 is configured tocouple to a work platform 790, such that each reaction platform 702 inthe secured configuration at least partially supports work platform 790.

In certain embodiments, connecting structure 770 includes at least oneeye bolt coupled to at least one threaded aperture of block 704, and theat least one eye bolt is configured to couple to work platform 790. Inalternative embodiments, connecting structure 770 is any suitablestructure that enables reaction platform 702 to function as describedherein.

In certain embodiments, work platform 790 is suitable to supportpersonnel and equipment used for maintenance and repair of upper section138. For example, work platform 790 enables personnel to access statorvanes 112 in slots 120 located beyond the reach of ground-levelpersonnel. Reaction platform 702 facilitates reducing or eliminating aneed for a scaffolding structure 792 to support work platform 790,and/or facilitates reducing or eliminating a need for a personnel lift(not shown) to enable maintenance and repair of upper section 138.Although three reaction platforms 702 are shown in the exemplaryembodiment, in alternative embodiments any suitable number of reactionplatforms 702 are used to support work platform 790.

An exemplary method 800 of removing at least one stator vane, such asstator vane 112, from a slot defined in an inner surface of a casing ofa rotary machine, such as slot 120 of upper section 138 of casing 136 ofrotary machine 10, is illustrated in FIG. 8. With reference also toFIGS. 1-6 and 9-10, method 800 includes coupling 802 a reactionplatform, such as reaction platform 202, 302, 602, or 902, betweenopposing sides, such as sides 123, of the slot. The reaction platformincludes at least one wedge surface, such as at least one of block wedgesurface 310 or 610 and sleeve wedge surface 360 or 660. Method 800 alsoincludes coupling 804 an actuator, such as actuator 270, to the reactionplatform, and applying 806 a pushing force to the at least one statorvane using the actuator. The at least one wedge surface induces acoupling force, such as coupling force 344 or 644, exerted by thereaction platform to the opposing sides of the slot when the actuatorapplies the pushing force.

In certain embodiments, the reaction platform includes a block, such asblock 304 or 604, and a sleeve, such as sleeve 350 or 650, slidablycoupled to the block, and coupling 802 the reaction platform between theopposing sides of the slot includes coupling 808 a first bearing surfaceof the block, such as first bearing surface 306, to a first of theopposing sides of the slot, and coupling 810 a second bearing surface ofthe sleeve, such as second bearing surface 356, to a second of theopposing sides of the slot. Moreover, in some such embodiments, coupling808 the first bearing surface includes coupling 812 the first bearingsurface to a lip, such as lip 126, of the first of the opposing sides ofthe slot, and coupling 810 the second bearing surface includes coupling814 the second bearing surface to a lip, such as lip 126, of the secondof the opposing sides of the slot.

Additionally, in some embodiments, coupling 804 the actuator to thereaction platform includes coupling 816 the actuator to a reactionsurface, such as reaction surface 308 or 608, of the block. In some suchembodiments, the at least one wedge surface includes a block wedgesurface, such as block wedge surface 310 or 610, of the block and asleeve wedge surface, such as sleeve wedge surface 360 or 660, of thesleeve, and coupling 802 the reaction platform between the opposingsides of the slot includes sliding 818 the sleeve wedge surface alongthe block wedge surface in a direction generally towards the reactionsurface.

In certain embodiments, the reaction platform includes a block, such asblock 604, and a pair of sleeves, such as sleeves 650. Each sleeve isslidably coupled to one of a pair of opposing sides of the block, andcoupling 802 the reaction platform between the opposing sides of theslot includes coupling 820 a first bearing surface, such as bearingsurface 656, of a first of the pair of sleeves to a first of theopposing sides of the slot, and coupling 822 a second bearing surface,such as bearing surface 656, of a second of the pair of sleeves to asecond of the opposing sides of the slot.

In some embodiments, method 800 also includes uncoupling 824 thereaction platform from the slot, repositioning 826 the reaction platformcloser to the at least one stator vane, and re-coupling 828 the reactionplatform between the opposing sides of the slot to improve aneffectiveness of the actuator.

In certain embodiments, applying 806 the pushing force includes applying830 the pushing force in a direction approximately tangential to theslot.

Exemplary embodiments of a system and method for removing stator vanesfrom a casing of a rotary machine are described above in detail. Theembodiments include a reaction platform and an actuator configured tocouple to the reaction platform. The embodiments provide an advantageover at least some known systems and methods for removing stator vanes.For example, the reaction platform is reversibly expandable from aninsertion configuration to a secured configuration, enabling thereaction platform to be coupled at any location along a stator vaneretaining slot to facilitate coupling of the actuator and the statorvanes. The embodiments also provide an advantage in that at least onewedge surface of the reaction block facilitates inducing a couplingforce between the reaction platform and the opposing sides of the slotwhen the actuator applies a pushing force to the stator vane in theslot.

The methods and systems described herein are not limited to the specificembodiments described herein. For example, components of each systemand/or steps of each method may be used and/or practiced independentlyand separately from other components and/or steps described herein. Inaddition, each component and/or step may also be used and/or practicedwith other assemblies and methods.

While the disclosure has been described in terms of various specificembodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosurecan be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of theclaims. Although specific features of various embodiments of thedisclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is forconvenience only. Moreover, references to “one embodiment” in the abovedescription are not intended to be interpreted as excluding theexistence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recitedfeatures. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, anyfeature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combinationwith any feature of any other drawing.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stator vane removal system comprising: areaction platform configured to couple between opposing sides of a slotdefined in an inner surface of a casing of a rotary machine, wherein atleast one stator vane is retained in the slot, said reaction platformcomprises at least one wedge surface; and an actuator configured tocouple to said reaction platform, said at least one wedge surfacefacilitates inducing a coupling force exerted by said reaction platformto the opposing sides of the slot when said actuator applies a pushingforce to the at least one stator vane in the slot.
 2. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said reaction platform comprises a blockand a sleeve slidably coupled to said block.
 3. The system according toclaim 2, wherein said block comprises a first bearing surface configuredto couple to a first of the opposing sides of the slot, and said sleevecomprises a second bearing surface configured to couple to a second ofthe opposing sides of the slot.
 4. The system according to claim 3,wherein said block further comprises a reaction surface configured tocouple to said actuator, said reaction surface is generallyperpendicular to said first bearing surface.
 5. The system according toclaim 4, wherein said at least one wedge surface includes a block wedgesurface of said block and a sleeve wedge surface of said sleeve, saidsleeve wedge surface is slidably coupled to said block wedge surface. 6.The system according to claim 5, wherein said block wedge surface facesobliquely toward said sleeve and faces obliquely away from said reactionsurface.
 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein said sleeve wedgesurface is inclined oppositely from, and complementarily to, said blockwedge surface.
 8. The system according to claim 2, wherein said blockfurther comprises a post, said post is received at least partiallywithin a cavity defined by said sleeve.
 9. The system according to claim1, wherein said reaction platform comprises a block and a pair ofsleeves, each said sleeve is slidably coupled to one of a pair ofopposing sides of said block.
 10. The system according to claim 9,wherein a first of said pair of sleeves comprises a first bearingsurface configured to couple to a first of the opposing sides of theslot, and a second of said pair of sleeves comprises a second bearingsurface configured to couple to a second of the opposing sides of theslot.
 11. The system according to claim 10, wherein said at least onewedge surface includes a pair of block wedge surfaces disposed onopposite sides of said block and a sleeve wedge surface of said sleeve,each said sleeve wedge surface is slidably coupled to one of said pairof block wedge surfaces.
 12. The system according to claim 1, whereinsaid actuator is configured to apply the pushing force to the at leastone stator vane in a direction approximately tangential to the slot. 13.A method of removing at least one stator vane from a slot defined in aninner surface of a casing of a rotary machine, said method comprising:coupling a reaction platform between opposing sides of the slot, whereinthe reaction platform comprises at least one wedge surface; coupling anactuator to the reaction platform; and applying a pushing force to theat least one stator vane using the actuator, wherein the at least onewedge surface induces a coupling force exerted by the reaction platformto the opposing sides of the slot when the actuator applies the pushingforce.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the reactionplatform comprises a block and a sleeve slidably coupled to the block,said coupling the reaction platform between the opposing sides of theslot comprises: coupling a first bearing surface of the block to a firstof the opposing sides of the slot, and coupling a second bearing surfaceof the sleeve to a second of the opposing sides of the slot.
 15. Themethod according to claim 14, wherein said coupling the first bearingsurface comprises coupling the first bearing surface to a lip of thefirst of the opposing sides of the slot, and said coupling the secondbearing surface comprises coupling the second bearing surface to a lipof the second of the opposing sides of the slot.
 16. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein the reaction platform comprises a blockand a sleeve slidably coupled to the block, said coupling the actuatorto the reaction platform comprises coupling the actuator to a reactionsurface of the block.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein theat least one wedge surface includes a block wedge surface of the blockand a sleeve wedge surface of the sleeve, said coupling the reactionplatform between the opposing sides of the slot comprises sliding thesleeve wedge surface along the block wedge surface in a directiongenerally towards the reaction surface.
 18. The method according toclaim 13, wherein the reaction platform comprises a block and a pair ofsleeves, each sleeve is slidably coupled to one of a pair of opposingsides of the block, said coupling the reaction platform between theopposing sides of the slot comprises: coupling a first bearing surfaceof a first of the pair of sleeves to a first of the opposing sides ofthe slot, and coupling a second bearing surface of a second of the pairof sleeves to a second of the opposing sides of the slot.
 19. The methodaccording to claim 13, further comprising: uncoupling the reactionplatform from the slot; repositioning the reaction platform closer tothe at least one stator vane; and re-coupling the reaction platformbetween the opposing sides of the slot to improve an effectiveness ofthe actuator.
 20. The method according to claim 13, wherein saidapplying the pushing force to the at least one stator vane comprisesapplying the pushing force in a direction approximately tangential tothe slot.